AFGE/NBPC Local 1613 is working with El Cajon Border Patrol Station Welfare and Recreation to raise money to purchase a stand up motorized mobile unit for Border Patrol Agent Anthony “Tony” Ponzio.

On December 5, 2015, Border Patrol Agent Anthony “Tony” Ponzio was struck by a vehicle while bicycling off-duty in Alpine, CA. Due to the extent and severity of his injuries, Tony was emergency-airlifted from the scene to Sharp Memorial Hospital suffering from multiple broken bones and internal bleeding. Agent Ponzio survived the accident but after three months in various hospitals, multiple surgeries, intense inpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy, he is now confined to a wheelchair. Additional surgeries, coupled with inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy continue to be necessary. Tony’s insurance does not cover this type of expense.

The standing machine itself promotes increased bone density and aids in preventing bone fractures paraplegics often suffer. Standing also aids in digestion and circulation adding to the users well-being and possibly preventing unwanted blood clots which is a common risk due to spending an inordinate amount of time sitting.

This device would drastically improve Tony’s quality of life and allow him to have more movement. The doctor believes that this would possibly improve his overall mental and physical health.

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NBPC Local 1613 would like to thank the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) for their support of Law Enforcement officers at every level and their opposition of California Senate Bill 54 (SB 54).

NBPC Local 1613 would also like to state that the supporters of this bill fail to mention the fact that legal measures are already codified to protect victims of crimes and those reporting crimes such as "T" and "U" visas. They would have the public believe that victims and those reporting crimes would be the focus of immigration enforcement actions rather than the criminals we are trying to protect the public from. This bill would seriously inhibit the ability of Border Patrol Agents to protect the public by limiting our access to databases and our collaborations with other Law Enforcement agencies.

The following is the full statement from PORAC.

SB 54: “Sanctuary State”

Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León is attempting to keep law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration agents with his introduction of SB 54. This bill is one of the highest-profile bills in California, as it goes directly against President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

SB 54 would place certain restrictions on state and local government entities in their interactions with federal immigration authorities. PORAC opposes this measure for three critical reasons:

The bill requires a local law enforcement agency to report to the Department of Justice if they are involved in special immigration task forces. These task forces can be costly and possibly non-reimbursable. Additionally, federal funding to our local agencies could be put at risk.

SB 54 plans to remove people with immigrant status from California jails and place them in an outside detention facility — thus separating them from their families, communities and networks, and creating even more difficulties in the family unit.

The breakdown of local, state and federal partnerships will prevent our officers from being able to do their jobs; therefore, violent criminals will remain on the streets and our families will be in danger.

PORAC’s main concern is public safety. We protect all Californians, immigrants and nonimmigrants alike. By targeting immigrants who are not criminals, we violate all that we stand for and lose the trust we have within our communities.

The National Border Patrol Council and Local 1613 continue to push for the resources and Agents needed to secure the border. A comprehensive package with the funding of the wall that includes increased manpower, pay parity (FLSA), vehicles, roads, radios and cameras is needed. This funding should be allocated to the Border Patrol directly. Changes also need to be made to the hiring process and the overall structure of CBP. Border Patrol Agents also need a better career ladder and actions must be taken to mitigate the high attrition rates. These are a few of the things that need to be addressed going forward.

NBPC Local 1613 is cautiously optimistic by the statements of Attorney Genreal Sessions and DHS Secretary Kelly. We encourage them to continue beyond the words and ensure the necessary actions are taken to give the Border Patrol the resources needed to truly secure the border.